Silk pajamas of the highest possible quality were not exactly de rigueur among millennials and Gen Z until Olivia von Halle proposed the idea in a way that few could resist. The London-based designer, who studied fashion and textiles at the University of Leeds, is a bit of a bon vivant. In her 20s, she found herself yearning for stylish but comfortable silk separates to elevate the experience of an at-home nightcap. At her flagship, on Pavilion Road near Sloane Square, her elegant, colorful collection includes robes, dresses, and slippers, many of which can be personalized. This month, as she debuts a line of cashmere robes, pajamas, and tracksuits, she shares her key components to the good life. —Ashley Baker
Airline: Emirates.
Alibi: The truth.
App: WhatsApp, so I can stay in touch with my family.
Bag: Chloé’s Marcie bag, in white.
Bedtime: Dawn, having danced the night away.
Birthday: My 40th, in Ibiza, with some of my closest family and friends. No better way to celebrate.
Boyfriend: My husband, Hugo.
Breakfast, weekday: I don’t eat breakfast, but I love an expertly made flat white.
Breakfast, weekend: I love to drink Earl Grey tea whilst taking a long, hot bath.
Car: A 1969 Dodge Charger.
ChildREN: My three!
Cocktail: A Suffering Bathwater. It’s three parts gin to one part Cointreau, with a dash of lime. It was invented on the back of a particularly wild night out, and it’s absolutely lethal.
Cocktail appetizer: Padrón peppers.
Date: My husband, Hugo. Always.
Diet: At the moment, I’m on a zero-sugar diet. It was quite challenging at the beginning, but I’m feeling so good now.
Dress: Anything from the Vampire’s Wife.
Hideaway:
Anywhere my horse, Herman, takes me. That’s when I feel most at peace.
Hotel: Ksar Char-Bagh, in Marrakech. It has the most stunning view of the Atlas Mountains.
Indulgence: Seeing the most fabulous women wearing Olivia von Halle.
Movie: My all-time favorite is probably My Fair Lady. I’m obsessed with all the costumes designed by Cecil Beaton.
Nonfiction book: How to Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan. It’s such a fascinating read.
Novel: The Pursuit of Love, by Nancy Mitford.
Pants: Long and palazzo-style. We’ve recently developed a new pajama with these trousers, and I’m obsessed.
Piece of advice: “Always trust your gut instinct. You’ll never regret it.”
Restaurant: Claridge’s is my all-time favorite here in London.
Saying: “Why be dull?”
SHOES: Chunky platforms. Gucci’s are the best.
Streets: I love the London canals, especially the walk that takes you from Angel, in Islington, to Little Venice, in Maida Vale. It provides a completely different view of the city.
Television series: Succession.
Theme song to your life: “I Can’t Go for That,” by Hall & Oates. It’s a disco classic!
Vacation: Ibiza in the summer is always my favorite.
Wake-up time: Naturally, in the late morning. But I have three small children, so this is a rare indulgence!
Weekend bag: Gucci’s Diana tote bag.
Work of art: I own a Nicolas Holiber oil painting, which I love. My son Hiero describes it as “beautiful and terrifying.”
Writing implement: A Pilot Decimo fountain pen.
Olivia’s Essentials
